The California State Fair embraces a few levels of fun: Not only does the fair, held at the capital city’s Cal Expo Fairgrounds, embrace classic fair delights—like rides, livestock, and fried cuisine—but it also celebrates the Golden State’s diverse agricultural and culinary bounty. That means, along with tilt-a-whirls and blue-ribbon quilts, you’ll also encounter chef demos and plenty of local beer and wine throughout the 17-day event.
Top Things to Do at the California State Fair: Agriculture, Beer, and Wine
When the Golden State hosted its first state fair back in 1854, it was held in San Francisco, with the cows standing on display in Mission Dolores. The fair moved to Sacramento for good a few years later.
These days, the fair has plenty of blue-ribbon sheep, rabbits, and crafts on display, but it also showcases a wide range of only-in-California delights. Watch cooking demos at the Save Mart California’s Kitchen, sip California wines at the Save Mart Wine Garden, and check out culinary competitions, such as the California Homebrew Competition and the pros-only Commercial Craft Beer contest (recent winners of the latter have included Roseville's The Monk's Cellar and West Sacramento's Jackrabbit Brewing Company).
There are parallel competitions for Golden State–made wines, olive oils, and cheeses—but you can also watch (or compete in) old-school pie- or corn-dog-eating contests. Other typical fair events include wiener dog races, a judged alpaca and llama dress-up pageant, a classic car show, and an exhibition of the work of California photographers.
More: California’s Food and Farm Festivals
Live Entertainment, Dining, and Deals at the California State Fair
Fans of live music should check out artists slated to perform. Lineups in the past have included such well-known and diverse acts as Maroon 5, ZZ Top, Boys II Men, and Los Lonely Boys. Concerts are free with fair admission and are sometimes followed by a meet-and-greet and photo op with the artists. But it’s not just about big-name headliners, either: Events such as the statewide youth mariachi competition and gospel choir performances put the spotlight on local talent.
If you love over-the-top fair food, check the lineup for the food festival vendors—nearly 100 of them—cooking up a vast array of sweet and savory dishes, from spicy chocolate-covered bacon to loaded tater tots. Not into corndogs and cotton candy? Not to worry—vendors also tend to offer a wide variety of delicious and healthy vegetarian- and vegan-friendly items.
Check the Special Events section of the State Fair website for the latest information on fireworks, themed days, or fun deals. Mondays, for example, are often Family Discount Days, with reduced admission, or Tuesdays may be Kids Days with discounted rates on rides. There is typically also a Pride Day, a Veterans and First Responders Appreciation Day, and perhaps a special sports night, like a soccer match featuring Sacramento Republic FC.
More Things to Do in and Around Sacramento
This being the capital of the Golden State, there are plenty of other things to do during a visit to town for the fair. Go for a ride on the River Fox Train, or visit the Sacramento History Museum, which offers Old Sacramento Underground Tours, led by docents in Old West costume.
Experience farm-to-fork cuisine at Sacramento restaurants, savor famous Central Valley and Gold Country produce at the many farmers’ markets, and squeeze in some wine tastings in-between.
For more Sacramento inspiration, check out 5 Amazing Things to Do in Sacramento and So You Think You Know Sacramento?
